Chapter 554: Chapter 553: 3 Choices, Dangerous Places (Added for ’Raised Little Dragon Girl’, 6/9)
For now, Shi Xiaole has set aside the eventful happenings of the Martial World, focusing all his energy on establishing a sect.
To establish a sect, one must possess a sect-establishing token.
This did not prove difficult for Shi Xiaole.
Back when he won first place in the Qingxue State Martial Arts Tournament, he was granted a token for establishing a sect. Though this token was issued by the Qingxue Alliance, it was endorsed by the imperial court, hence was functional within the territory of the Flying Horse Dynasty.
Apart from the sect-establishing token, choosing a good location is also extremely crucial.
But this is a major issue.
The ancients always had beliefs in geomantic omen, asserting that a suitable location could amass wealth, accumulate auspicious aura, and ward off misfortunes. On the contrary, an inappropriate location might invite disasters.
While Shi Xiaole was not a superstitious man, he still had the desire to find a place surrounded by lush, serene mountains and rivers with a terrain that was easy to defend. If nothing else, at least it should be a place where living there could bring peace and comfort.
Although Xuanwu State was vast, the number of martial arts sects was also numerous. Over hundreds of years, all the good places had already been taken. Finding a decent place was not going to be easy.
Furthermore, after choosing the location, he would inevitably have to set up a great sect-protecting array system. This is yet another challenge. Considering Shi Xiaole’s level and his enemies’ level, a common sect-protecting array would simply be of no use.
Shi Xiaole had thought of temporarily establishing his sect in the Divine Transformation City within the Boundless Flower Prison. However, it was not feasible as the number of Mutation Transformation Flower seeds he had was too few to bring everyone in there.
"City Lord, weren’t you on good terms with the Ai Family? Could you ask for their help?"
Zhu Ling suggested from aside.
"No, the Ai Family has their own troubles to deal with. It’s not suitable to bother them now."
Shi Xiaole waved his hand in disagreement, but in his mind, an image of a delicate and enchanting beauty involuntarily surfaced. He couldn’t help but smile. Perhaps, he could ask her for assistance.
...
Tiantai Cliff was as serene as ever, with mist wreathing half the mountain, yet it didn’t blur the horizon’s hues.
Shi Xiaole led his followers up towards the cliff top. When they were nearing the top, he suddenly called a halt, instructing, "All of you, stay here and remember not to make any loud noises."
Although puzzled, all of his followers affirmed in unison.
"Guests from afar, how delightful. Brother Shi, please come in."
The ethereal voice echoed from a distance. Even high-rank beauties like Su Yanru and Zhu Ling were captivated, and their bodies felt weak.
As for the other disciples of Lele City, they were so entranced that they almost lost consciousness.
They had never heard such a beautiful voice before. It seemed to be from beyond the mortal realms.
"Aunty, Miss Zhu, please wait a moment."
The site of Tiantai Cliff was filled with array systems. Plus, Shi Xiaole’s current cultivation level had reached the Divine Barrier Realm. Now he realized that the array systems here were even more terrifying than he previously thought. He was not at all worried about the safety of Su Yanru and others.
"Just be careful."
Su Yanru gave him a slight smile without saying much more.
Once again, Shi Xiaole quickly ascended the stone steps to the cliff top.
His gaze took in the sight of the waterfall splashing down from the east, emitting a faint mist. Amidst the rocks shrouded in mist sat a beautiful woman dressed in white.
Her features were so fair they outshone the snow, giving her the appearance of a jade figurine anointed with rouge. Even upon closer inspection, not a single pore was visible on her face. Under her soft, arched eyebrows lay a pair of eyes brighter than the stars, nose delicately sculpted and her heart-shaped lips complemented the rest of her features perfectly, seeming like a masterpiece delicately crafted by the Creator.
Viewed piece by piece, her features could be described as perfect. Taken together, her beauty was enough to make hearts tremble, causing one to unintentionally lose oneself in her tranquil elegance.
Shi Xiaole said, "Miss Shui, I’m sorry for intruding again."
Shui Lingping flashed a smile that made the mist around her seem even more dreamlike. "Having grown used to solitude, I find myself overjoyed whenever you come to visit, Brother Shi."
Ahead, two cups of aromatic tea were already set out on a stone bench.
The two of them sat across each other, drinking tea.
Half an hour later.
"Did Brother Shi come specifically to see me?"
At Shui Lingping’s words, Shi Xiaole’s face reddened ever so slightly. "To be honest, Miss Shui, I’m here because I need to ask you a favor."
"What is it?"
"I wish to establish my own sect, but I’m having trouble with choosing a location. After some thought, I decided to seek advice from you."
"The famous mountains and unique landscapes of Xuanwu State have already been claimed by various powerful forces. Even the geomantic treasures in remote locations have their own owners. And since I rarely leave this mountain, I’m afraid I cannot offer Brother Shi any suggestions."
Listening to her firm refusal, Shi Xiaole couldn’t help but feel disappointed. However, he had already prepared himself for such a response and found himself saying, "It doesn’t matter. Just being able to sit and converse with Miss Shui is in itself a joy."
"You are insincere."
Shui Lingping gently reproached. Seeing the look of surprise on Shi Xiaole’s face, she laughed and said, "Did Brother Shi perhaps obtain something valuable recently?"
Shi Xiaole looked into her eyes, ensuring that her gaze was unfocused before asking, "What is Miss Shui referring to?"
"Could Brother Shi possibly have obtained the Inheriting Heaven Seal?"
Her words nearly made Shi Xiaole lose his composure. This was because, besides himself, no one else in the world could possibly know about this. So how could Shui Lingping know?
"Brother Shi, you need not worry. In order to cure my illness, I have read countless books since childhood. I chanced upon a method to probe one’s aura in an ancient book. Compared to our last meeting, you are now surrounded by an invisible aura of luck, presumably influenced by the Inherit Heaven Seal."
Hearing Shui Lingping’s explanation, Shi Xiaole still couldn’t put his doubts to rest.
The concept of destiny indeed felt elusive to him. Its existence was uncertain, let alone the methods to detect destiny.
Shui Lingping said, "Congratulations Brother Shi. You were destined to leave disappointed, but since you’ve obtained the Inheriting Heaven Seal, I can give you some advice about the sect’s location."
Shi Xiaole silently looked at her.
"Most of the treasures in Xuanwu State are occupied, so you can eliminate these from your options. Now you have three remaining choices."
"Which three?"
"The first is a place of mediocrity. Such a location has average fortune, but with the Inheriting Heaven Seal, it will gradually gather Feng Shui. Over time, it can ensure the longevity of your sect."
Shi Xiaole understood and, in fact, he had thought about this point. If he really had no other options, he would have to settle for what was available. He couldn’t help but ask curiously, "What’s the second choice?"
"The second choice is barren land. Such a place has hardly any human footprints, but the eyes of Feng Shui are deeply buried underground. Once infused with destiny, it has the potential to become a treasure land! However, it may also absorb the destiny of the Inheriting Heaven Seal and accomplish nothing in the end, which is quite risky."
Shi Xiaole nodded slowly.
In other words, the first choice is safe, but has a low ceiling. The second choice could result in failure, but also potentially reap rewards beyond imagination.
"And the third?"
Shui Lingping shook her head, saying: "I would advise Brother Shi not to consider the third one."
"Why is that?"
"Because the success rate is too low, it could even affect Brother Shi himself."
Shi Xiaole, feeling very curious by her warning, couldn’t help asking, "Miss Shui, please feel free to tell me. I just want to hear it."
"The third choice is known as the Destructive Land! Such places are full of shadowy Yin Qi, and an ordinary person living there for a long time will inevitably die for no reason! But where great disaster lies, great fortune might be hidden. If you can reverse the current and change your destiny, such Destructive Land will turn into the world’s greatest treasure. Any sect established there is sure to shake the world, maintaining everlasting prosperity!"
Shui Lingping coldly shook her head, she said, "Unfortunately, reversing the conditions in a Destructive Land requires a lot from one’s life grid. Besides, the last place I spoke of happens to be located in the head area of Xuanwu State, making it the most dangerous among all Destructive Lands. Thus, I advise Brother Shi not to try."
"That’s easy!"
Shi Xiaole suddenly smiled and said, "May I trouble Miss Shui to predict my life grid for me? Afterward, I can choose based on the result."
Surprisingly, Shui Lingping refused and said, "We could, but now that you’ve acquired the Inheriting Heaven Seal, your destiny has been obscured, we can only do it on a selected date."
"If that’s the case, can Miss Shui please tell me the location each choice represents?"
Shui Lingping got up and went back into the cabin, coming back with a book, which she handed to Shi Xiaole.
Shi Xiaole opened it immediately. He found that there were many locations for the first choice, only three for the second choice, and just one for the third choice.
...
"Lele, what are the results?"
Seeing Shi Xiaole, Su Yanru and others rushed to greet him.
They didn’t know who lived on the mountain, but the fact that Shi Xiaole valued them so much, suggested that they were not ordinary.
"Come with me."
When they arrived at the foot of the mountain, Shi Xiaole recounted Shui Lingping’s words and asked for everyone’s opinions.
The disciples gave various responses while Zhu Ling stood with the elders. After hearing their opinions, they all agreed, "We will follow the City Lord’s decision."
Three choices, each with its own pros and cons, but everyone was willing to give the decision to Shi Xiaole, to lead them.
After looking round the crowd, Shi Xiaole said, "If it were just me, I would choose the Destructive Land."
According to Shui Lingping, due to the influence of the Inheriting Heaven Seal, there’s a signficant connection between his life grid and the chosen location. They would thrive or fail together, and this would also affect the people in his sect.
That’s why Shi Xiaole added the premise, if it were just him.
Shi Xiaole’s character was such that if he would either not do something, or if he would, he would do his best. To be deterred from moving forward simply because of a matter of life grid would not align with his Dao of the sword and would hinder his progress in martial arts.
However, he was afraid of affecting others, so he felt somewhat conflicted.
"My Lord, we are willing to follow you."
The disciples said in unison, the sound reverberating through the sky.
Su Yanru and Zhu Ling both smiled.
Everyone had already guessed the result.
If Shi Xiaole did not have the determination to either succeed or perish in the attempt, he wouldn’t be who he is.
The people present had the courage to follow him to Xuanwu State. They had not escaped on their own on the river, and in their hearts, Lele City had become home.
Everyone was willing to strive for this, even at the cost of their lives, even if it meant shedding their blood, with no regrets!
Seeing so much in the eyes of everyone, Shi Xiaole understood everything. He felt moved, and for the first time, he also felt a heavy sense of responsibility. He couldn’t let these people’s hopes and trust down!
"Okay, let’s set off immediately for Nine Heavens Mountain."
Nine Heavens Mountain was the first and most formidable Destructive Land in Xuanwu State according to Shui Lingping. In a radius of fifty miles, there were hardly any human traces, and all sects avoided it like the plague.
